Give Back Yoga Foundation

Give Back Yoga Foundation believes in making therapeutic benefits of trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices available to under-served and under-resourced socio-economic segments of the community such as veterans, prisoners and those recovering from substance abuse and disordered eating.

Testimonials

"Yoga gives us choices, allows us not to have to try so hard - which is contrary to military training (like) 'no pain, no gain,' and 'pain is weakness leaving the body.'" says Gulf War veteran Sue Lynch. "Yoga connects us to ourselves, (which) in turn allows us to then connect to our loved ones and our communities."

"The Give Back Yoga Foundation is a phenomenal organization, and I'm grateful to them for the wonderful training I received. Going back for more ASAP, and putting to use what I've already learned!"
- Karen Bratton, yoga teacher

I love the programs you are doing for veterans and I love the resources you put out for them. Keep up the good work! - Heidi Behr, mental health counselor for the Wounded Warriors Project

"As a combat medic veteran with chronic PTSD, Mindful Yoga Therapy has been a godsend to me. Both the Embodyoga® and Yoga Nidra portions of it have had profound effects on my well being. As a result, I want to pay it forward and teach it to other combat vets. This works...I'm proof of it."
- J.L.P., veteran and yoga teacher in training

"Mindful Yoga Therapy is very accessible, and it's designed to treat this beast that's called PTSD. It calms every part of your body. An added benefit is that we have vets teaching vets….we've all walked in the same boots, and at the end of the day, all of us are on that same parallel path of healing."
- Chris Eder, Air Force veteran and Mindful Yoga Therapy instructor

"I have used many of the yoga exercise and breathing techniques being taught by Give Back Yoga Foundation personally and with soldiers, veteran patients and civilians for over 30 years. I have found these techniques helpful for patients with substance abuse, combat stress, PTSD and other mental health problems. I heartily and enthusiastically endorse the efforts of the Give Back Yoga Foundation to assist veterans to heal from combat and stress related problems."
- Guy Lamunyon, retired Lt. Col. and Combat Medic with the 101st Airborne Division

"The Yoga for Eating Disorders™ program has been a real game changer - a life changer - for me...I'm moving more freely and easily in my body than I can ever remember. On top of all that, I've learned an enormous about my eating disorder and myself."
- Brian, struggles with Binge Eating Disorder

"I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who struggles with their relationship with food and body image. It has spoken to me in my own recovery in ways that no other program has been able to. Most importantly, it has left me with the community and practice to carry forward long past this weekend."
- Allie, a graduate of the Yoga, Food and Body Image intensive

"After six months of yoga, I am now beginning to 'live' in the present. Yoga has opened up my soul to receive what the other classes are teaching, making them really work for me. For myself, I have to say that yoga is the key to my learning and changing, that is going to keep me out of prison and once again be a productive member of society."
- J.B., Prison Yoga Project participant

"Yoga helped me come out of a dark place with myself. I feel privileged to have learned about yoga and myself. I try to practice the 8 Limbs in my life every day, and remember to love myself so that I may love others and do no harm."
- J.G., Prison Yoga Project participant

"I went to my Y12SR when i was in treatment 6 months ago, and now that I'm out, the Y12SR leader suggested a donation based yoga studio where I can continue my practice. Yoga has been an important part of my recovery. "
- Aubrey, MI

"Thank you for teaching me how to take care of myself with restorative postures - I like coming to Y12SR."
- Courtney, FL

"This my favorite 12 step meeting and I love the yoga part"
- Ryan, AZ

"I thought yoga would be wimpy-its hard! but Ive learned so much- especially coming to my breath, and letting go in certain situations- its part of my toolbox now"
- John, MI, Y12SR participant